Quick Stats:

Title: Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)

Author: Susan Dennard

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publication Date: January 5th 2016

356 ratings on Goodreads – 4.5 average rating

Amazon Pre-Order | B&N Pre-Order | Goodreads

My Rating: +

Synopsis:

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

Review:

Let’s just take a second to thank Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary and Media! I didn’t believe I even had a CHANCE at an ARC of this book, but it appeared in my mailbox, and Suzie is now my fairy godmother! Thank you! 🙂

Before I read the book, i heard the hype. I listened to people fawn over it on BEA vlogs, and I saw Sarah J Maas gave it 5 stars (I was coming off a Court of Thorns and Roses Book Hangover), so I knew I must read it.

You will not regret pre-ordering this book. Not even once. The only thing you’ll regret is that Book 2: WindWitch isn’t ready yet. Prepare to read it in one day and wait.

I loved this book. I didn’t know if I would because the beginning starts out slow. You need to know the world, you need to know Safi and Iseult, and you need to know their powers. The book starts in the middle of some action, which for me is something I love, but though the world building and background is needed, it was slow for me, but I pushed onward. Why? Because I love that this book is feauring two kick ass best friends. Two strong females who would do anything for each other. Soul Mates of the friend variety. That’s rare, and Dennard does it well.

Once you hit about half way, this story will claim your life. It’s going to come first before work, parties, pizza (gasp, I know), movies, Netflix, and sleep. It burrows into your head, and it sits there going “READ ME”

I really couldn’t decide who to love and who to hate in this book. There’s so many diverse characters, male and female, and so many misconceptions and preconceived notions about them that you really have to dig out from under the layers to figure out who is truly good, who is chaotic good (they exist outside of D&D), and who’s truly bad. Dennard really did a masterful job at viewing prejudice from all different angles in this book, and showing what you’ve been told isn’t exactly what’s true.

Now, we discuss the love you/hate you, walking a thin line towards explosive relationship between Safi and Merik. Holy cow, those two. I couldn’t decide if I was firmly on bored, or if I though Safi was crazy at times (she is, but what females aren’t!). They have this dynamite chemistry that you can’t quite pin down, but it’s beautifully written and I’m dying for more! (Add me to book 2’s list ASAP!). There’s a scene where they dance together, and I swear, I didn’t breathe the whole time. Amazing.

I’d like a windwitch (hint hint book 2 & a man) of my own, please and thanks! 🙂

Finally, I loved how steeped in culture and belief this book was. Dennard created a lush and beautiful world, and filled it with myths, legends, religions and so much more. I’m a fantasy girl, through and through, and this ranks among the greats for me! I made a spot next to my Tolkien leather bound edition, and Game of Thrones books, and placed TruthWitch there (It didn’t stay long before my boyfriend snatched it up to read.) This book is well written, amazingly detailed, and it’s just lavish to read. You will get lost in Dennard’s world, and when you resurface, let me know. We can be hungover together until Book 2: WindWitch comes along.

This was one of the best books I’ve read in 2015, and I’ve read many books. It’s up there with Six of Crows, Court of Thorns and Roses, and Red Queen. Dennard is a powerhouse, and belongs on every shelf! I will be hunting down Dennard’s earlier works, as this is my first adventure with her, and I cannot wait for what’s to come! Pre-order your copy now, and get some cool bonus items! It’s worth it! I just one-clicked! 🙂

About The Author

Susan Dennard has come a long way from small-town Georgia. With a masters degree in marine biology, she got to travel the world—six out of seven continents, to be exact (she’ll get to Asia one of these days!)—before she settled down as a full-time novelist and writing instructor.

She is the author of the Something Strange and Deadly series (from HarperTeen) as well as the forthcoming Witchlands Series (Tor, 2015). When not writing, she can be found hiking with her dogs, exploring tidal pools, or earning bruises at the dojo.

You can learn more about Susan on her website,blog, newsletter, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Also, be sure to check out Tor Teen & New Leaf Literary and Media online!

Hope you’re glad to have me back in the blogging world! I’ve got tons of books to discuss!